5 Careers That Offer Great Job Security

In a recession, you can find millions of people who look over their shoulder because their jobs are in jeopardy. While we aren’t selling snake oil and we won’t lie and say there are certain fields where there is no risk, there are a few areas where you can likely find employment no matter what stage the economy is in.

1) Accountants – You don’t have to love math to know that regulations are tightening on most companies when it comes to reporting their financial history to government agencies. More importantly, many firms are looking to hire their top financial people from accountants within the ranks, rather than those who might provide more investment strategies. Needs: Bachelors degree, public accounting certification.

2) Nurses – America, like most other developed countries, is an aging one, on track to double the number of people over the age of 65 by 2050. That means that more people will require more frequent healthcare. Training times are shorter than for other medical professionals, and in hard-hit areas like Florida, there is a premium paid for nurses willing to make the switch. Needs: Associates degree.

3) Marketing – Any company that sells a product or service needs people to know about what they have on offer in order to turn a profit. Since many people have worked in sales at one point in their life, moving into the business development and marketing side can represent a good career, and one that is unlikely to face cuts at firms where profit is key. Needs: Track record of maintaining clients, degree helpful.

4) Environmental Scientists and Analysts – Shhh, but one of the facts of life is that large corporations and governments offer some of the best pay for any job hunter. They also rely on environmental scientists to make manufacturing processes safer, to perform mitigation analyses of new properties. A consistent focus on making “greener” businesses means that those who make it possible will be in high demand for years to come. Needs: Bachelors degree, post-grad certification helpful.

5) Dental Hygienist – Like paralegals who have increasingly taken on the role of quasi-lawyers at firms, dental hygienists are on track to take on more of the duties from the dentists they assist. It only requires an associates degree, and can provide a lot of free time with a high median annual salary. Needs: Associate’s degree.